NORTHBROOK, IL — A longtime volunteer's dedication to Northbrook and the Park District's efforts to reduce its environmental impact earned recognition from the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
The Northbrook Park District received two "Best of the Best" awards: its sixth consecutive Best Green Practices award and an Outstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Year award honoring Judith "Judy" Hughes, who died in December 2025.
Hughes' husband, Michael "Mike" Hughes, expressed appreciation during the awards ceremony earlier this month.
"I thank everybody, and I wish Judy could be here to accept this herself," he said at the ceremony, according to the Park District.
A Lasting Commitment To Northbrook
Hughes supported the Park District by attending events, sharing information and connecting people throughout the community, according to the district.
Her volunteer work included service with the Northbrook Historical Society and the village's Arts Commission. She also helped organize community activities such as Art in the Park and Shermerfest.
Two years ago, Hughes shared historical information during the "Paint the Prairie" event at Techny Prairie Park and Fields. Last year, she helped ensure the Historical Society had a promotional table at Fall Fishing Fest.
Her support for local parks stretched back decades. Hughes championed the Park District's successful 2000 referendum to purchase 60 acres that opened to the public as Techny Prairie Park and Fields in 2006.
She also advocated for preserving green space and shared her knowledge of Village Green Park's history and significance to Northbrook.
Robotic Mowers, Solar Panels And Water Conservation
The Best Green Practices award recognizes efforts to incorporate and encourage environmentally friendly operations and policies.
This year, the district launched a Lake Management Plan for Lake Shermerville and Anetsberger Pond and began developing an Urban Forest Management Plan for its 511 acres of green space.
The district also uses six battery-powered autonomous robots for mowing and other tasks. Sixty sensors installed in trash receptacles have helped improve collection efficiency and reduce fuel and trash bag use, according to the district.
A transition to cellular network-based irrigation controls across parks also has improved water-use efficiency.
Techny Prairie Activity Center remains a net-zero energy building with 833 solar panels. Heritage Oaks Golf Club has maintained Audubon certification since 2015, while Techny Prairie Park and Fields and Wood Oaks Green Park earned Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program designation in 2023.
The district's environmental education efforts include interpretive signs at areas converted to native plantings and support for community cleanups, including supplies for Boy Scout troop cleanups at Wood Oaks Green Park.
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